Former England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, has condemned Argentina’s conduct after their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, describing the team’s actions as “disgusting.”
Spain retained control for most of the contest before Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in the 106th minute to seal victory in New Jersey and hand La Roja their second World Cup title.
Argentina’s frustrations boiled over late in the game. Midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card just before extra time, while Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in heated confrontations after the final whistle.
Reacting on BBC, Hart praised Lionel Messi for showing sportsmanship despite the defeat.
“There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players.
“The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Hart also applauded Spain’s display throughout the tournament.
“Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament.
“They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.”
Argentina had already faced criticism for their aggressive approach during their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney said the latest incidents reflected a recurring pattern.
“Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me.
“We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want. We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round.
“That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”
After the final whistle, Molina appeared to strike Spain midfielder Rodri as celebrations began, while Paredes was seen grabbing Eric García by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground.
Rooney believed Argentina’s conduct stemmed from being outplayed.
“That’s a reaction to them being outplayed, out-fought, out-thought on the football pitch, and then they resort to that at the end,” continued Rooney.
“It’s poor from those two players.”
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville also criticised Paredes’ behaviour, questioning why he had escaped harsher punishment.
“They’re very competitive and I love that element of them, but [Paredes] has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing…”
Ex-England defender Micah Richards echoed those concerns.
“It’s quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the cusp every single time.
“Paredes doesn’t need to do that, he’s better than that, and it doesn’t stop there — it keeps going and going and going.
“We all know what it’s like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough — it’s not a good look at all.”
ITV’s commentary team also agreed that Spain deserved to lift the trophy. Lee Dixon criticised Argentina’s approach, calling it “anti-football,” while Ally McCoist said Spain were “the only team trying to win this game.”
Dixon said, “You have to say, especially after those scenes just then, well done Spain. Football has been the winner, there’s no doubt about that. They’re a deserved team to win it on the day.
“Throughout the tournament they’ve gotten better and better, conceding one goal in a World Cup tournament just says everything you need to know about how organised and creative they are.
“They’ve got pace down the wings and they’re good to watch. On the other hand, today, Argentina were just anti-football, and the scenes at the end, how Paredes is still on the pitch, I’ll never know. I made out six or seven times he should have been sent off.
“[Messi’s] legacy coming to an end. Wasn’t as his best today, wasn’t allowed to be.”
